Adjustably keyed pressure gauge construction

Abstract

A pressure gauge having a rotatably secured Bourdon tube, and a dial plate arcuately displaceable for effecting zero calibration of the gauge includes a rotationally presettable key for registered placement within a key-slotted receptacle in which the gauge is to be utilized. Keying is provided by a simulated Y-shaped washer mounted in an annular groove on the gauge stem and arcuately secured post-calibration at a predetermined angular setting from a reference point on the gauge dial.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
       1. In a pressure gauge including a casing, a Bourdon tube rotationally secured relative to said casing, a pointer operably connected to said Bourdon tube, a dial plate arcuately displaceable for zero calibration setting relative to said pointer and a reference indicia on said dial plate, key means supported on said gauge and adjustably set at a predetermined angular displacement from said reference indicia on the post-calibration setting of said dial plate. 
     
     
       2. In a pressure gauge according to claim 1 including a stem extending laterally rearward from said casing, support means on said stem for supporting said key means and means securing said key means on said stem at said angular displacement setting. 
     
     
       3. In a pressure gauge according to claim 2 in which said support means comprises a groove extending transversely in the periphery of said stem. 
     
     
       4. In a pressure gauge according to claim 3 in which said groove is annular and said key means is of a simulated Y-shape adapted to be received in said groove. 
     
     
       5. In the method of manufacturing a pressure gauge including a casing, a Bourdon tube rotationally secured relative to said casing, a pointer operably connected to said Bourdon tube, a dial plate arcuately displaceable for zero calibration setting relative to said pointer and a reference indicia on said dial plate, the step of adjustably setting key means on said gauge at a predetermined angular displacement from the reference indicia on the post-calibration setting of said dial plate. 
     
     
       6. In the method according to claim 5 including the added step of securing the key means to said gauge at the adjusted setting of the preceding step.